Battered Fish glad to see RedHawks go

Comeback win by Fargo-Moorhead brings losing skid to five games

An unconfirmed rumour, but one that might have been seriously considered late last night in downtown Winnipeg...

The Winnipeg Goldeyes, now in the depths of a five-game losing skid and losers of seven straight at home -- all seven against Doug Simunic's Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks -- were said to be so eager to see the RedHawks' tail lights they arranged for a police cavalcade to escort their team bus to the border.

Yes, the Goldeyes' woes reached a season high Friday night in front of 4,446 at Shaw Park when the RedHawks rallied from a 3-0 deficit for a 4-3 win.

The loss drops the Fish to 26-20, still atop the American Association's North Division standings and one game ahead of the Sioux Falls Pheasants, 25-21.

The Pheasants are the Goldeyes' next opponent, interestingly enough, as their 12-game homestand continues tonight night with Sioux Falls paying their first visit to Winnipeg this season.

Todd Privett (1-2, 4.05 ERA) is scheduled to make the start for the Goldeyes.

The Fish jumped out to a 3-zip lead in the second inning when Josh Mazzola hammered his fifth home run of the season to straight centre, bringing home Luis Alen and Kyle Day in front of him.

But the RedHawks, who got 5 2/3 innings work from starter Aaron Shafer, then turned to their outstanding bullpen to keep the Fish bats stagnant while their own came alive.

Simunic used six different pitchers after Shafer exited and they surrendered just four hits the rest of the way with Tony Davis earning the win to go to 1-0. Tom Boleska pitched an inning-and-a-third in relief for his 13th save of the season.

Fish reliever Billy Spottiswood was tagged with the loss and is now 0-4.

The RedHawks rallied in the eighth, tying the game on an error by shortstop David Narodowski and then getting the winning run a bases-loaded fielder's choice.

Price Kendall was 3 for 5 for the Fish to boost his average to .285 while Alen is now hitting .324 after going 2 for 5. Buddy Sosnoskie paced the RedHawks with a 2-for-3 effort with two RBI.

Meanwhile, the Goldeyes announced Friday left-handed pitcher Tony Butler (1-1, 6.10 ERA) had been placed on irrevocable waivers for the purpose of granting his release. As well, the team will welcome back hurler Brian Beuning, the Minnesota state trooper who has been so effective this season (2.0, 0.82 ERA) will be rejoining the team for the last portion of the homestand and the next road trip to Lincoln.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.